Can a Felon Be a Plumber?
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Yes, in most states a felon can become a licensed plumber. Like other skilled trades, plumbing licensing focuses primarily on technical competency and safety knowledge rather than criminal history. Most states evaluate criminal history on a case-by-case basis, and very few felony convictions are considered 'directly related' to plumbing work. The construction trades as a whole are among the most accessible career paths for people with criminal records. The main practical challenges are completing the apprenticeship (typically 4-5 years) and passing the licensing exam. Plumbers are in very high demand, and the trade offers strong earning potential, a path to self-employment, and job security that makes it one of the best second-chance careers available.
You CAN likely get a plumbing license if you...
- ✓Convicted of any non-violent felony — drug offenses, DUI, financial crimes, and property crimes are generally not barriers
- ✓Violent felony conviction unrelated to plumbing practice — most states do not disqualify
- ✓Felony conviction of any age — plumbing boards focus on technical competency, not criminal history
- ✓Record has been expunged or pardoned
- ✓Currently on probation or parole — most states allow apprenticeship and many allow licensing while on supervision
- ✓State has adopted occupational licensing reform limiting criminal history barriers for trades
Potential barriers (rare)
- ✗Very few convictions permanently disqualify for plumbing licensing
Plumbing licensing has very few permanent criminal history bars. The focus is on ensuring plumbers can safely install and maintain plumbing systems that protect public health (clean water, sanitation). Criminal history is generally not considered relevant to this competency assessment. A small number of states may have specific disqualifying offenses, but this is rare. (State plumbing licensing statutes)
- ✗Conviction for plumbing code violations causing contamination or harm (extremely rare)
Criminal charges arising from negligent or intentional plumbing work that caused water contamination, cross-connection, or public health harm could be considered directly related to the practice. This is an extremely uncommon scenario and would typically involve revocation of an existing license rather than denial of a new one. (State plumbing codes / public health statutes)
Gray areas — it depends on your state and circumstances
Theft or burglary convictions
Plumbers enter private homes and businesses. Some employers may be cautious about hiring plumbers with theft or burglary records due to access concerns. However, state licensing boards generally do not treat these as directly related to plumbing. Once licensed, self-employment eliminates employer background check barriers. Building a reputation through quality work and client trust is key.
Drug offenses
Drug convictions are not considered relevant to plumbing competency by most licensing boards. Plumbing does involve physically demanding and sometimes dangerous work (working with torches, in confined spaces), so active substance abuse is a safety concern. Completed treatment and sobriety are positive factors but are generally not formally required for licensing.
Union apprenticeship acceptance
United Association (UA) apprenticeship programs have their own application processes. Some local unions are very accommodating of criminal records; others are more cautious. If one UA local turns you down, try others or consider non-union apprenticeships (ABC programs, employer-sponsored apprenticeships). The skilled trades have a strong culture of second chances.
Government and institutional projects
Plumbers working on government buildings, schools, hospitals, and military installations may face additional background checks beyond state licensing. A state plumbing license alone does not guarantee access to all job sites. Residential and private commercial work typically has fewer additional background requirements.
Plumber Levels — Apprentice to Master
| Type | Difficulty | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Plumber | Most Accessible | Apprentice plumbers work under a licensed journeyman or master plumber. Apprenticeship registration rarely involves rigorous background checks. The apprenticeship is typically 4-5 years (8,000-10,000 hours on-the-job plus classroom instruction). This is the best entry point and allows you to earn while you learn. Most programs welcome people with records. |
| Journeyman Plumber | Accessible | After completing the apprenticeship and passing the journeyman exam, you become a licensed journeyman plumber. The exam tests plumbing code knowledge and practical skills. The background check at this stage is generally minimal or nonexistent in most states. Journeyman plumbers can work independently and earn strong wages. |
| Master Plumber | Accessible | Master plumber licenses require additional experience (typically 2-4 years beyond journeyman) and a more advanced exam. Criminal history evaluation is the same as for journeyman. Master plumbers can pull permits, supervise other plumbers, and run a plumbing contracting business. |
| Plumbing Contractor / Business Owner | Moderate | A plumbing contractor license allows you to run your own business. Requirements include holding a master or journeyman license, obtaining bonding and insurance, and meeting business registration requirements. Self-employment is ideal for people with records — no employer background check. Many successful plumbing business owners have overcome criminal records. |
How to Apply — Step by Step
Check your state's plumbing licensing requirements
Visit your state's plumbing licensing board or regulatory agency. Not all states license plumbers at the state level — some delegate to local jurisdictions. Review criminal history policies and any disqualifying offenses. Most states have reformed these policies to reduce barriers for trades like plumbing.
Enter a plumbing apprenticeship program
Apply to plumbing apprenticeship programs: UA (United Association) union apprenticeships, ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) non-union programs, employer-sponsored apprenticeships, or community college plumbing programs. Most programs accept applicants with criminal records. Apprenticeships typically last 4-5 years and include both on-the-job training and classroom instruction. You earn wages while training.
Complete your apprenticeship
Work through the full apprenticeship, gaining experience in residential, commercial, and/or industrial plumbing. Maintain a clean record during this period. Document your hours carefully. Complete all required classroom education covering plumbing codes, blueprint reading, safety, and technical skills.
Pass the journeyman plumber exam
Take and pass your state or local journeyman plumber exam. The exam covers plumbing codes (Uniform Plumbing Code or International Plumbing Code depending on your state), installation practices, safety, and regulations. Study resources include code books, exam prep courses, and practice tests. The exam is purely technical — no criminal history evaluation.
Apply for your plumbing license
Submit your license application with full disclosure of any criminal history if asked. Most plumbing licensing boards focus on verifying your apprenticeship completion and exam passage rather than conducting extensive criminal background investigations. In states with reformed laws, any evaluation is limited to offenses directly related to plumbing.
Build your career or start your own business
Once licensed, work as a journeyman plumber for a plumbing company, join the UA for union benefits, or pursue a master license and start your own plumbing business. Plumbers are in very high demand — the BLS projects strong growth through 2033. Self-employment eliminates employer background check barriers and offers the highest earning potential.
Take Action — Direct Links
- BLS — Plumbers: Occupational Outlook
Bureau of Labor Statistics — job outlook, pay, and requirements for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
- UA — United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters
Find UA local unions and apprenticeship programs in your area
- Apprenticeship.gov — Find plumbing apprenticeships
U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship finder — search for registered plumbing apprenticeships by location
- ABC — Non-union apprenticeship programs
Associated Builders and Contractors — find non-union plumbing apprenticeship programs
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a felon be a plumber?
- Yes, in most states. Plumbing is one of the most accessible skilled trades for people with criminal records. Licensing focuses on technical competency and code knowledge, not criminal history. Most states evaluate criminal history on a case-by-case basis, and very few felony convictions are considered relevant to plumbing work. Drug offenses, DUI, property crimes, and even violent felonies are generally not barriers to plumbing licensure.
- Can a felon join a plumbing apprenticeship?
- Yes. Most plumbing apprenticeship programs — both union (UA) and non-union (ABC) — accept applicants with criminal records. The application may ask about criminal history, but a felony is rarely an automatic disqualifier. Contact programs directly to discuss your situation. If one program is not accommodating, try others. Non-union and employer-sponsored programs may be more flexible than some union programs.
- How much do plumbers make?
- The median annual wage for plumbers is approximately $61,000 as of 2025. Experienced plumbers, especially those with master licenses or who specialize in commercial/industrial work, can earn $80,000-$100,000+. Plumbing business owners can earn significantly more. Overtime, on-call work, and emergency service calls increase income. Plumbing is consistently one of the highest-paying trades.
- How long does it take to become a plumber?
- The typical path to journeyman plumber takes 4-5 years through an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships include 8,000-10,000 hours of on-the-job training plus classroom instruction. After the apprenticeship, you take the journeyman exam. A master plumber license requires an additional 2-4 years of experience. Some states offer faster paths through a combination of trade school and work experience.
- Is plumbing a good career for someone with a felony?
- Plumbing is one of the best career choices for people with criminal records. Strong demand (plumbers are needed everywhere), high pay, accessible licensing, a construction culture that accepts second chances, a clear path to self-employment, union representation available, no college degree required, and work that cannot be outsourced or automated. Many plumbers with felony records have built successful careers and businesses.
- Can I start a plumbing business with a felony?
- Yes. If you hold a valid plumber's license, you can start your own plumbing business. You will need a business license, contractor licensing if required in your state, liability insurance, and bonding. Self-employment is one of the biggest advantages of the trades for people with records — you control who you work for and are not subject to employer background checks. Many successful plumbing businesses were founded by people who overcame difficult backgrounds.